Why Koufonisia Is the Secret Greek Paradise Only Locals Are In On

Want to Plan a trip to One Of Greece’s most up-and-coming islands?

The Koufonisia islands in the Cyclades archipelago are something out of a dream. Super accessible, with unbelievably blue waters and a chill vibe, they are an amazing Greek island choice.

I’ve heard Koufonisia being called the “Mykonos of the small Cyclades.” While I can’t fully agree with that statement, if they mean it’s getting popular and gorgeous, then yeah, I can see that.

Over two months, I’ve gone to 8 Greek islands and road-tripped around Peloponnese. And Koufonisia is one of my favorites. Here, you will be spoiled by the island’s beautiful sandy beaches.

This complete travel guide to Koufonisia Island, Greece, will give you the information you need to plan the perfect trip, from the best things to do to the top Koufonisia beaches and all the logistics.

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Why Visit Koufonisia?

Koufonisia is a group of three islands in the Cyclades, Greece: Ano Koufonissi, Kato Koufonissi, and Keros. The island of Keros is not as accessible, and you can’t stay overnight because of ongoing archaeological excavations.

Ano Koufonissi, sometimes called Pano Koufonisi, is the more happening of the two islands, with many hotels, restaurants, and bars. On the other hand, Kato Koufonissi is an uninhabited islet only reachable by small boats (or swimming across the narrow straight). It’s an uninhabited island but filled with great spots for free camping!

The Koufonisia islands are famous for their fantastic beaches and laid-back pace of life. Relax, unwind, and finally get to that book you’ve been postponing for months.

Quick Koufonisia Overview

Best Things to Do in Koufonisia Islands, Greece

✅ Relax the Day Away on Koufonisia’s Beaches

Koufonisia has some of the most beautiful golden beaches I’ve seen in Greece. Many of Greece’s shores are rocky, but here you can lounge on the soft sand and swim in the crystal-clear waters.

Here are the main 5 Koufonisia beaches to visit.

1. Ammos Beach

Ammos Beach will be the first you see as you roll into the port. Most times, the beaches by the port are less desirable, but what a sight to see such sparkling blue seas right as you pull up to shore.

Right on the edge of Chora, Ammos is a great spot to grab a souvlaki and picnic on its sandy shores. It’s also most likely the closest beach to your hotel.

One drawback is that the beach tends to get crowded during the day due to its easy accessibility. A road also runs parallel to the backside of the beach, so not the quietest experience.

2. Paralia Italida Beach

Paralia Italida Beach is hands down my favorite! It’s one of the most remote, secluded beaches on the island. It is accessible by the shuttle boat, walking the beach trail, or half-walking your bike.

There are no amenities or cafes along this beach. And the water is shallow and clear, and the sand is absolutely immaculate.

3. Finikas Beach & Fanos Beach

Finikas and Fanos Beach are right to each other, separated by just a little cove. The waters here are just as impressive, but it is a little busier than Paralia Italida Beach, with a bit less sand.

There are cafes and a few hotels much closer to these beaches.

4. Pori Beach

Pori Beach is the furthest from Chora, but you can easily bike there, unlike some other beaches that are only accessible by walking or taking a boat trip.

The entire peninsula is super beautiful and worth a roam around. There are some sea caves and an excellent cliff-jumping spot for all levels. And if you’re hungry, there are two restaurants to pick up some Greek cuisine.

There’s another hidden gem called Gala Beach, where you’ll have to do some climbing to reach. It may be a bit tricky to find, but it promises a wonderfully remote experience. If you decide to go, check that it’s not too windy and watch out for strong currents.

✅ Bike around the Island

One of the best ways to explore Koufonisia is by renting a bike. The island is relatively small, so small that it is walkable, but it is much easier on two wheels.

You can easily bike around the whole island in a day. There are a few hills, so if you’re not super into biking, an eBike might be a better option. Otherwise, you can just take a short walk up the small hills.

A hiking trail along the coast is a bit challenging for biking, but you can still do it. Just walk the sandy parts closer to Chora.

There are a few shops in Chora where you can rent bikes or eBikes. Prices start at €7 for city or mountain bikes and €18-€20 for eBikes per day.

✅ Spend the Day at Kato Koufonisia

Nearby, Kato Koufonisia is just a short boat ride from the main island. There’s not much on the island except for a small port and one restaurant, so make sure to bring plenty of water with you for the day.

Spend the day hiking around the island to its chilled beaches, where nudity is allowed, and you can free camp. Many budget-conscious travelers camp here and take the shuttle to the other island when they want a taste of civilization.

How to Get to Kato Koufonisia

By Shuttle Taxi

To reach there, just hop on a ferry from the main port in Koufonisia. Shuttle ferries run frequently throughout the day, around twice per hour. It’s only €5, and you can use the boat tours to go anywhere all day long.

By Swimming

If you feel like getting some exercise, you can swim from right outside Chora to Kato Koufonisia. I did it, and it took me around 25 minutes to get there but only 10 minutes to return because of the current.

Tip! Be careful of boats and bring a bag as a buoy so ships can see you.

✅ Get Over Your Fear of Cliff Jumping

Want an adrenaline rush? Give cliff jumping a shot! Greece boasts incredible cliff-jumping spots, and this island has some epic cliffs waiting to be conquered. Around Pori Beach, a Google Maps marker for cliff jumping is pretty tall, but there are plenty of other spots too.

✅ Natural Pools & Hidden Caves

On the hiking trail along the beach from Chora to Pori, you’ll find several hidden coves and a little natural pool waiting for you to jump in. Some are easy to reach, while others are a bit tougher.

There are two rock pools, with the more known one being Pisina. Take a dip or jump in – it’s deep enough!

✅ Chill in Chora

Chora is the main town in Koufonisia, where you’ll find the most restaurants, cafes, and shops. Stroll through the town’s narrow streets, gaze at the traditional Cycladic architecture, and do some window shopping in the souvenir shops.

Where to Stay in Koufonisia Island, Greece

Koufonisia Islands in Greece offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget, from fancy beachfront resorts to cozy studios or even free camping. In general, it’s one of the cheaper islands than other islands in the Cyclades, like Mykonos or Santorini.

If you’re staying for a longer time, it’s really nice to choose a studio so that it comes with a small kitchen and living area.

KEROS ART HOTEL

⭐ RATING: 9.5 out of 10 Stars (275+ reviews) | $$

Book a stay at Keros Art Hotel, a modern boutique hotel with comfortable, up-to-date furnishings and facilities, right in Chora and by the sea. Wake up each morning to a delicious breakfast with beautiful trees, flowers, and art surrounding you. The service is top-notch, and everyone is super kind.

ONAR STUDIOS

⭐ RATING: 8.7 out of 10 Stars (150+ reviews) | $

I stayed at Onar Studios, and it was awesome! Even though it was a bit outside of town, it was quieter and had an amazing view of Chora. The place was spacious, with two rooms, a big balcony, and a mini kitchenette. Even though the owner doesn’t speak English, they will pick you up from the ferry port and give you great recommendations for things to do on the island.

FREE CAMPING AT KANO KOUFONISIA

If you’re on a tight budget, you can camp almost anywhere on Kato Koufonisia for free. It can get windy at night, and there’s not too much shade, so bring the right gear. And anytime you want to come to the livelier island, take a shuttle boat taxi that comes twice an hour.

Food on Koufonisia Islands

The island has quite a few restaurants and tavernas serving delicious local cuisine. From seafood delights to traditional Greek dishes, most restaurants are on Chora’s main street or along the beachside near Ammos Beach and the port.

In town, I loved eating at Mikres Cyclades, a beautiful Greek gastronomy place with fantastic food. It’s a bit pricier than other places, but totally worth it. Oh, and you know what’s cool? They own the Loukamades place across the street, so you can order that for dessert to bring to the restaurant.

Otherwise, this restaurant by the fisherman’s port called Aneplora comes highly recommended. Or, if you’re near Pori Beach, there are two restaurants around that area.

Travel Tip! Between 3pm – 6pm, most restaurants are closed for siesta. Even if some cafes are open, their kitchens might be closed too.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Koufonisia is such a tiny island that there are only a few main bars on the entire island. But the cool thing is, everyone gathers there. When I visited in June, it wasn’t too crowded yet, but during the peak of summer, it really comes alive.

No matter the time of year, it’s all on Greek time, so the party starts late and closes at 4-5am. Then it’s not too long to stick around to catch the sunrise.

A Few Bars on Koufonisia

• Scholio Alternative Cocktail Rock Bar
• Koyfochorio
• Astrolouloudo Cafe-Bar

For those who prefer a more relaxed evening, enjoy a drink in one of the many seaside taverns, chill at restaurants until midnight, or sit on the beach and watch the stars.

Where is Koufonisia Located?

The Koufonisia islands are located in the Small Cyclades subgroup of the Cyclades islands in Greece. The islands are situated southeast of Naxos and west of Amorgos.

Click here to go to the exact Google Maps location.

How do you get to Koufonisia Island?

There are two main ways to get to Koufonisia: taking a ferry directly or combining flying and a ferry.

The schedules and prices of the ferries vary depending on the season, so check the ferry schedules in advance on Ferryscanner here.

👉 Check Ferryscanner for the best ferry prices here!

By Air: Does Koufonisia have an airport?

No, Koufonisia does not have an airport, so the only way to get there by air is to fly to the nearby island of Naxos. Naxos Island is the closest airport, with daily domestic flights from Athens.

From Naxos, you can take a ferry to Koufonisia. Depending on which ferry you choose, the fastest direct ride takes only about 45 minutes, while the longest can take 5 hours. The price also varies greatly, with the cheapest starting at only €8.

By Sea

The most popular way to get to Koufonisia is by sea. Koufonisia is only directly reachable by ferry from Piraeus ports in Athens and some other islands in the Cyclades. The ferry ride from Piraeus takes about 5 – 7 hours, while there are only indirect ferries from Athen’s Rafina port.

The most popular ferry routes to Koufonisia are from the ports of Naxos, Piraeus (Athens), Mykonos, Santorini, Amorgos (Katapola), and Paros.

How to Get Around

When it comes to getting around Koufonisia, the island is small enough to explore on foot. But if you want to check out the more remote beaches or go further, consider renting a bike or an eBike. There’s no need to rent a car, plus there’s not too many paved asphalt roads.

Walk the Trails

There’s no public transport on land, but the furthest point from Chora is no more than a 45 min – 1-hour walk. You can walk from Chora to Pori Beach and enjoy incredible sea views along the way.

Rent a Bike or eBike

One of the best ways to get around Koufonisia is by bike. With a bike, you can cruise around the island’s beaches, villages, and beautiful spots at your own chill pace.

Renting a bike or eBike is easy and pretty cheap, with multiple rental shops in Chora. Prices start at €7 for city or mountain bikes and €18-€20 for eBikes per day.

Shuttle Boat

Another way to get around Koufonisia is by taking a boat taxi. Two companies offer shuttle boat services on the island. They provide transportation to some of the more secluded beaches and coves, as well as to Kato Koufonisia.

There are two boats – one goes to the beaches and the other to Kato Koufonisia. They run at least twice an hour. On the way back from Kato Koufonisia, they take you to the other side of the island to show you the seastack rock formations.

You can grab tickets for the shuttle boats at the main port right outside Chora. It’s just €5 per day, and you can hop on and off any boat you want.

Best Time to Visit

Greece is a hot spot for summer vacations, and Koufonisia Island is one of the most popular of the small Cyclades. The ideal time to visit Koufonisia is from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the sea is perfect for swimming.

July and August are the island’s busiest months, with many tourists heading to Koufonisia for the beaches, nightlife, and local food. In June or September, the crowds are thinner, accommodation is easier to find and cheaper, and the island has a more peaceful vibe.

The winter months are not recommended, as most restaurants, shops, and accommodations are closed during this time. The weather can also be unpredictable, with occasional rain and strong winds.

Frequently Asked Questions about Koufonisia Islands, Greece

Final Thoughts: Is Koufonisia Worth It?

Yes, it is! Koufonisia is a hidden treasure with its peaceful beaches, clear waters, and laid-back tourist scene. Despite its small size, it’s surprisingly lively and cosmopolitan. Although Koufonisia may not have the same tourist infrastructure as some of the more popular Greek islands, that’s what makes it charming.

Take a dip in the turquoise waters or wander around the charming villages. In this Cyclades archipelago, you’ll discover authentic Greek island life with its white-washed buildings, narrow streets, and adorable tavernas.